NHS Direct

• Acne
• Back pain
• Bumps and bruises
• Burns - First Aid
• Burns or scalds
• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Earache
• Eye discharge
• Head injury
• Head lice
• High temperature - fever
• Insect bites and stings
• Itching
• Cuts and grazes (lacerations)
• Swallowed non-harmful substance
• Nosebleeds
• Seizures
• Sprains and strains
• Sunburn
• Vaginal discharge
• Vaginal itching
• Wounds - First Aid  

Bumps and bruises

About bumps and bruises

Bumps, knocks and bruises happen on a daily basis, and can be very painful.

Most will usually clear up in a few days. But you should seek medical assistance if you think you may have broken a bone, or if the injury is still very painful after 7 days.

Looking after yourself

If you have a bump or bruise there are a number of things you can do to help manage the condition. Here is some self help information:

• For a knock, bump or bruise, apply a cold compress (ice pack) at once. You should reapply the compress for 20 minutes every 3-4 hours for the first 24 hours of having the bump or bruise.
• An ice pack may relieve swelling but should not be placed directly against the skin. Try wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a cloth (such as a tea towel) and mould this around the swollen area. A covered bag of frozen peas makes a good ice pack. The bag of peas can repeatedly be re-frozen but you MUST NOT then eat the contents.
• If you are in pain, get advice on medicines you can take.
• You should visit your local pharmacist (find your local pharmacist) for advice on additional medicines you can use to relieve the pain of bumps and bruises.

Useful links:

What are bruises? (NHS Choices)
Safety for toddlers and older children (NHS Choices)
First aid basics (NHS Choices)
First aid for babies (NHS Choices)
Bruises and strains (NetDoctor)
Childline